International Birdman Swim 2009

On what is possibly the last weekend of official summer down'south it was the International Birdman Swim held next to Worthing pier. a 2k and 1k race plus dash to the finish line for final position.

Race briefing was a pleasant experience, with the blue sky making up the atmosphere:


The Raw Energy Pursuit Flags marked where the high tide was going to end up and where to finish:


Deep contemplation just before the start and assessment of the current was important.


or just looking 'ard for the cameraman...


For the 2k start it was a straight in affair with some good running in


Things got quite tight on the way to the first bouy whilst things settled down


First out of the water were the 1k race, and some tight running into the finish for that elusive 1st place:


If you are in the lead of the 2k you have time to delicately remove your headgear


sometimes the seaweed proved just as big an obstacle as the crashing waves:


wetsuits were not compulsory:


but the Ursula-Andress look was not required to post a good time:


Several people got caught out by the hard surf on the swim exit:


And the waves did start to barrel in as the tide got closer to the finish line


But the main aim was to have some fun, a good race and enjoy the day:


Whilst the crowd cheered on:


Don't feel bad about not winning, you lost to an international !


Results are on www.Rawenergypursuits.co.uk and Tri247.com
The crazy birdman stuff is here: http://www.worthingbirdman.co.uk/
and the BBC have a birdman report too - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8219525.stm?ls

And of course - your photos are here: http://gallery.sussexsportphotography.com/a.tlx?k=3rkzerc

Enjoy !